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Y3A3HINGTON 



Ms^L 



TO THE 



^^%'^ 



PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATE8 



ON THE 



CHOICE OF A PRESIDENT. 



^ 



"* Our Country must look for salvation from men whose liberal and es.- 
allecl views go beyond the mere present convenience of the moment^ 
and are not confined even to the period of their own existence, but wiio 
look with a providential affection to tiie independence and liappmessof 
ages yet unborn. Pjtt 



BOSTON : 

TBIXTEU FOn THE AUTHOIJ. 




1812. 



3An 



\f^l \ 



WASHINGTON 



TO THE 



PEOPLE OF THE UJ^^^-^ED STATES. 



** Great is the character of that soul," says a celebra- 
ted ancient, " which no danger, no temptations of gain, no 
allurements of power, can drive from the interest it has once 
espoused, and the principles it has once embraced." There 
is a bold and manly course of conduct from which gi-eat 
minds never depart : and there is a weak, contemptible, rep- 
tile policy, into which weak and wicked men incessantly 
fall. The truly great man studies the permanent interests 
of his countr}^ and disregards temporary advantages that 
are purchased at the sacrifice of honour. He never jmr- 
sues those false lights of popularity which dazzle the am- 
bitious and undeserving, and which lead them from error 
to apostacy, and from apostacy to perdition. To the hou.st 
politician there is but one path to be followed — the path of 
integrity. When the leaders of different parties, contract po- 
liticid marriages from sympathv of ambition, the moment 
that band is severed, ihe union is dissolved, and its mem- 



v 



4 

bers disgraced and ruined. A conjunction so monstroic, 
and unnatural never has, and never can be permanent; for 
it is founded on an abandonment of principle, it is cement- 
ed by intrigue, and can only be presen-ed for a tim& 
through the fear of being supplanted by a rival faction. 

Statesmen of principle can never pursue an erratic course i 
it is weak, impolitic and ruinous. Men of this stamp form 
the very axis of society. • The great mass of mankind rests 
upon a few self-poised and independent spirit : if thcse- 
falter, all is irresolute, timid and wavering : it unhinges 
common minds ; they know not where to look for support 
when their leaders desert them. It introduces into a party 
distrust and confusion, and impresses the world with an 
opinion that all politicians are equally regardless of consis- 
tency and principle. It bursts asunder those bonds which 
connect individuals to intcgi-ity and honour, and impels 
them to shift their sails to every varying breeze of interest 
and passion. By sliding so frequently from one set of opi- 
nions and associations to another, the mind loses that vir* 
luous dignity, that high-spirited pride and manly indt pen- 
dcnce which are the main pillars of a nation's strength anH 
prosperity. 

Thr writer of these remarks has long been an inactive 
though not an unconcerned spectator of public events. He 
has dcploretl in silcn':e the degradation of his countrymen. 



3 

He lias beheld that disastrous torrent of unhappy events^ 
which has swept away the barriers of law, religion and in- 
dependence of the old world, bear down with irresistible 
force upon the happy institutions of our own, and 
threaten the destruction of all that is valuable to freemen. 
Whilst the multiplied aggressions and unprovoked injustice 
of foreign powers has met with his most unqualified dis- 
approbation, he has not been slow to condemn that waver- 
ing imbecillity of timid statesmen, whose only hope of con- 
tinuing in power is founded on the excitement of popular 
prejudices, and the misdirection of public sentiment. 
There are scenes in the history of our country on which the 
mind of the patriot delights to dwell, on which it can rest 
with complacency and enthusiasm. But these days of ho- 
nour and prosperity are exchanged for a night of calamity 
and disgrace. Foreign influence has insinuated itself inta 
the councils of the nation ; and since the poison has been in- 
troduced, the blood of the American people has coursed 
more sluggishly through their veins. To redeem our na- 
tional character requires more exertion, more patriotism, 
more unanimitv, more self-respect, than at the present mo- 
ment, can easily be brought into concert. Although he has 
witnessed \-;^^|||expressible regret that feeble system oi 
measures, conceived in weakness, and nurtured and brought 
forth by folly; although he Ixas often turned with an avert- 



& 

cd front from those scones of moi al proflij^acy unci politi- 
cal turpitude, which pollute the very lountain ol uiir re- 
publican system, he has at no period despaired of the re- 
public. There is a radical buundncss, and a manly vigour 
of character pervading the country, which must eveniuiuiy 
regenerate and redeem it. 

The Cimmerian gloom of democracy which has so long 
ahadowed the prosperity of our country, is giving place to 
a brighter and a happier prospect. Federalism has slum- 
bered, it is true, but its slumbers, like the rest of the 
eagle, has enabled it to awake with renovated vigour. 
Every patriot starts from the languor of inaction to the 
great arena of |)olitical contention. He views the rival 
combatants eagerly engaged in a struggle for victor\ . He 
contemplates them both a\ ith indignation ; fur their contest 
is not lor honest fame ; not to scatter blessings through the 
land ; not to save, but to degrade, dishonour and ruin their 
country. Wc should disclaim an\' connection with the 
leaders of democrac}- ; their alliance is dishonour, tluir 
touch corruption. If any preference however does exist, 
it nuist be in fa\-our of that candidate who relies upon 
the suffrages of his own party for suj)j)ort ; lie ma\ be Jio- 
nest; but he who deserts his own ranks, and flies t(j an 
enemy for protection, must be unprincipled. The f r;:ier 
viaij be respected, the latter can only be execrated ; iht one 
Viay be deluded, the other seeks oaiy to liciudv. 



r 

Be not deceived, federalists, with the hollow professions 
of a systematic intriguer : lean upon yourselves tor support. 
Nominate a federal candidate for the presidency ; it is your 
only hope of salvation. The party has sufficient virtue, in- 
telligence and patriotism to fill every department of the ad- 
ministration with splendour and dignity. The people can- 
not longer continue insensible to its merits. If federalists 
* succeed by their own strength, they will nobly triumph : 
but if they become united with Clinton, they will be con- 
nected to their niin. 

Notwithstanding the reiterated assertions of Mr. Clin- 
ton's dependants (for friends he has none) that his eleva- 
tion to the presidency will save the country'' from further 
humiliation, and be the means of introducing the federal 
party to power, there is not a parasite in his livery that be- 
lieves his own declarations. The hope which undiscerning 
credulity embraces, is founded in a total ignorance of Mr. 
Clinton's character, of the complexion of his politics, or the 
perverseness of his heart. If from facts we arc able to de- 
duce consequences ; if from what has been we may conjec- 
ture what may be, I shall most incontestibly prove that n© 
opinion ever had a deeper foundation in error. Out of his 
own moutli will I condemn him. His crooked schemes 
of policy, his malignity, his inconsistencies and his in- 
trigues, shall be exposed in all their naked deformity. 



s 

I entertain no hostility to Mr. Clinton apart from politi- 
cal opposition. In unravelling the iniquity of his political 
lite, I am conscious of no improper bias influencing my 
conduct, no eastern predilections warping my judgment. 
I respect Mr. Clinton as a gentleman, and esteem him as a 
miagistrate. I have known him long and intimately. I 
have been associated with him in the councils of the 
Bation. Had not hi? unjustifiable ambition led him to 
seek an alliance with the federal party, his errors 
should have passed in silence — his political sins for- 
given. But when apostacy makes overtures to rectitude, 
when pollution courts the embrace of honour, I will ever 
be among the foremost to trample on those forms which 
civility prescribes, and break down those barriers, behind 
which ambition meanly skulks, and meditates its complicated 
plans of mischief, and its airy schemes of aggrandizement. 

Since his overweening ambition has compelled me to re- 
sist his pretensions and expose his errors, I shall (real 
him with no afl'ected delicacy, no ceremonious regard. His 
character, his history and his intrigues shall be presented 
to the public in the unadorned language of impartial truth. 

'^ There is a species of character destined for obscurity, 
but which is sometimes rendered conspicuous b\- fortuitous 
circumstances; which though it cannot command respect 
by bold and decisive iniquity bids defiance to contempt :" 



9 

i 

such IS Mr. Clinton's. His relationship to the late VicC' 
President procured him notice to which he was never enti- 
tled from his merits, and elevated him to stations beyond 
hi.> power to dignify. No man's character has been more 
grossly misunderstood, or artmlly misrepresented, than 
that of this flexible and designing politician. The devoted 
pen of adulation, has framed his panegyric. It has diz- 
zened him out in all the gaudy embellishments of poetical 
invention. It has burlesqued the hero it intended to cele- 
brate. It has invented virtues where it could find none. 
It has presumed talents where none ever existed. It has 
imagined services which were never rendered. It has 
transformed intrigue into political wisdom, duplicity into 
fair dealing, intemperate rage into spirit. It has palliated 
those faults it could not excuse, and has sought to lendt 
charms even to deformity. Yet Mr. Clinton, bad as he is, 
is not totally debased. He possesses pride, which is some- 
times a substitute for virtue. Though a slave to his re- 
sentments, he is a still greater slave to popularitv : whilst 
public opinion therefore is correct, his vices may have 
bounds ; but if the public should ever become corrupted, 
and corrupted too by his own example and that of his satel- 
lites, what hope would remain of his acting with integrity J 
what prospect of his future amendment ? 

Distinguished for all those little artifices of little minds : 

B 



10 
for all that contemptible evasion and petty sophistry which 
narrow intellects substitute for a sound, correct, and con- 
sistent course of policy, he was only formed to be at the 
head of an undisctrning faction. He contaminates every 
thing he touches, and must eventually degrade the dignity, 
relax the virtues, and corrupt the principles of any party, 
to which his interest may attach him. Sullen without dig- 
nity, and pompous without ease, he could never conciliate 
esteem, or slide into the affections of mankind. A paucity 
of understanding in the democratic party made INIr. Clin- 
ton's talents, humble as they were, appear imposing and 
splendid. Men itiore ignorant than himself were dazzled 
at their splendour. Men more enlightened, seldom trou- 
bled themselves to give a public expression of their con- 
teinpt. The Mayoralty of the city of New-York should 
be the boundary of his ambition. His activity and vigi- 
lance, the austerity of his manners, aud his plodding indus- 
try, happily qnaliiy him for tlu^ station. INIr. Clinton's 
talents could certainly never have raised him from obscu- 
rity without the aid of family and fortune. He has never 
presenticl lo the public a solitary composition distin- 
guished for drpth of argument, boldness of imagination or 
correctness of taste. His anniversary orations possess 
some vigour, l)ut more corpulence. They are an indiges- 
ted maso of dcsuilor\- remarks aiul common place observa- 



11 

uons. Now and then, indeed, a tolerably bright thought does 
burst forth, but only to make the surrounding gloom more 
apparent. His charges to the Grand Jury are, for the most 
part composed with labour, yet in a st)'le at once harsh, 
clumsy and un grammatical. His speeches in the Senate 
are not above the level of common newspaper essay's, as 
the extracts which I shall have occasion to make will abun- 
dantly demonstrate. They possess no superiority either 
in point of manner or matter, for depth of political re- 
search, copiousness of language, accuracy of phrase, or 
soundness of reasoning. His talents as a writer have only 
been overrated because they have never been rigidly scruti- 
nized. His fancied eminence instantly disappears at the 
touch of investigation. The whole force of his genius was 
never able to lift him into dignity of expression, and his 
most celebrated productions, are but the •ffbrts of an ordi- 
nary mind, improved by ordinary cultivation. A patron 
of the fine arts without taste, and an encourager of the 
learned without science, he has contrived by this interested 
union, to palm himself upon the world as a man of erudi- 
tion and science. The debt which patronage creates, is 
discharged by the incense of flattery ; and science her- 
self stoops to adulation. 

Mr. Clinton is a speculative friend of libcrtv, a practical 
supporter of aristocracy ; the professed admirer of a Con- 



12 

btitution wiiose principles he daily violates, and an advocate 
for the liberty of the press which he manacles. 

Clinton from boyhood was remarkable for *•* that dark 
and ambiguous course of policy which always affords 
maitcr of ingenious illustration." At College, he was 
emment for duplicity and stratagem. He was the author 
of almost every piece of mischief committed within its 
walls, without ever being detected. He always possessed 
that cunning and gravity, mistaken for prudence and wis- 
dom, which sheltered liim from suspicion and exposure. 
He was the sower of the seeds of mischief, whilst others 
reaped the whole harvest of punishment. Such was the 
character of Dc Witt Clinton at College, and such is his 
character at this moment. Covered with that impenetrable 
caution which seldom deserts him, he transacts his business 
by needy dependants, and buzzing emissaries, who assume 
all the responsibility of his negociations and intrigues. 
If unsuccessful, his satellites are disgraced, whilst their 
in\ isible author pursues his career of triumphant deception 
with impunity. Col. Burr, among others, has been the 
hapless victim of his madiinations. To gratify his ambi- 
tion and tliirst of revenge, he compromitted the honour 
anil di^niiiy of his parly. Finding his coalition with the 
Bun lies unpopular, wi.h his accustomed duplicity, he de- 
.iied a pailici^'ativn in the crime. Governor Lewis, by si- 



13 
inilar arts, vas thrust from office, and a subservient tool 
placed in the chair ot scate. Amid ali ihese bickcrmgs 
and dissensions among the jacobins ot New- York, let it be 
indelibh- impressed upon the public mind, that Mr. Clin- 
ton was during the whole of this period, the most active^ 
malignant and infuriate opponent of the followers of 
Washington. Every thing amiable and dignified, every 
thing honest and intelligent was the object of his hatred 
and denunciation. Morals, talents, luid revolutionary ser- 
vices were indiscriminately proscribed : not onlv proscri- 
bed, but traduced, insulted and hunted down by the blood- 
hounds of calumny. These covenanted foes of genius and 
worth, respected not even the sanctuary of the grave ; 
and yet the leader of this factious combination seeks an al- 
liance with Federalists ; with those very men whom he 
has so wantonly slandered and irreparably injured. A 
man who could act thus inconsistently, never possessed a 
generous sentiment or a lofty feeling. If he were thus 
destitute of policy and honour, as well as humanity in an 
inferior station, is it a rational expectation that he will add 
lustre to the first office in the gift of the nation ? 
It were a vain, a futile, a presumptuous hope. Mr. 
ClintOi- has no political principles, but those bottom.ed on 
mterest. Nothing great, nothing magnanimous, ever 
marked a single trar action of his public or private life. 



\ 



14 
My blood is chilled with horror whenever I thinV of the 
disgrace and mischief which such un alhance must inevita- 
bly entail on the Federal party. 

Even were Mr. Clinton a Statesman of integritv, what 
pledge have we that he will resuscitate the spirit, and raise 
the sinking character of the country ? On what data, do we 
proceed? From whence do we draw our deductions? 
what assurance of co-operation has he given us, that can 
for a single moment be relied upon ? None. What then 
is the course which common sense and common prudence 
dictate. That we should trust solely to our own strength, 
and elevate a man of our own principles to power. If that 
be impossible, let us be patient, resolute, and prepared. 
The time cannot be far distant, when imbecillity must give 
place to energy, and fanciful speculations, yield to reason 
and experience. Wiicn that period arrives, we shall re- 
sume the reins of government with pure hands and uncor- 
rupled he;u-ts. We shall not be contaminated, dishonour- 
ed and despised. But will feel in office a manly cheerful- 
ness and high-toned pride, the result of conscious rectitude 
and undeviating integrity. A pride the more proper to 
be indulged, as it will have in it, no alloy of cringing base- 
ness. Wc f.hall by such a course of policy secure the 
confidence of our partj-, and command the respect of the 
Mforld. 



1^ 

Since Mr. Clinton has not chosen to discover the 
grounds on which he intends to act if elected to the presi- 
dency, it may be useful to inquire into the principles which 
hare heretofore guided his public conduct. The opi- 
nions which Mr. C. promulgated in 1809, he either still 
cherishes or has abandoned. If he still preserve them, it 
is easy to prove him a malignant and factious demagogue. 
If he has renounced them through motives of interest or 
ambition, he is only entitled to our contempt and execra- 
tions. In either case he is totally undeserving the support 
3nd confidence of honest men. The circumstances under 
which his famous speech was delivered, are peculiar and 
characteristic. Mr. Clinton previous to the election of Mr. 
Madison for the presidency, had repeatedly and pointedly 
condemned the embargo policy as the offspring of imbecil- 
lity and originating in Gallic influence. Seeking to render 
it unpopular and odious, he inveighed against it with un- 
common zeal and acrimony. If he could succeed in bring- 
ing the Administration into disrepute, he entertained a 
hope of his uncle succeeding Mr. Jefferson to the Presi- 
dency — But when he found that the cun-ent of popular 
opinion had set strongly in its favour, he instantly shifted 
his grounds and became one of its most active and clamor- 
ous supporters. Fearfid of losing the confidence of hi-, 
native state he thought something was necessary to redeerr 



10 
his decHninij popularity. He accordingly came forth with 
that speech in the Senate, of infamous celebrirv, which has 
done more for his political damnation than all the other de- 
merits of his public life put together. By this it appears 
tliat Mr. C. in 1809, was a violent and determined sup- 
porter of the Administration, and a savage persecutor of 
federalism. In this intemperate address, he displaved all 
that rancour of hate, all that insolence of malice, and all 
lliat extravagancy of falsehood, which could onlv have been 
expected from the worst of demagogues. 

jNIr. Clinton, after having offered a few cursorv remarks 
on the subject of his address, introduces a most inflamma- 
tory and indecent invective on the federal party, represent- 
ing them as an unprincipled faction, devoted to the views 
and interests of Great Britain, and destitute of every moral 
and patriotic sentiment. •" W'lun I can plainlv perceive, sa\s 
Mr. C. a spirit of faction and sedition exhibiting itself in 
the most odious light, and evidently acting in obedience 
to the nod of a foreign government, and that government at 
the same time assailim; our rights and trampling upon our 
honour, I think it Is our duty to declare our sentiments to 
the world, in a voice that can be lieard and understood.'' 
He next represent;, the British people as devoid of justice, 
honour and good faiih, and little Iietter than a band of rob- 
bers, and a nation ol j)ir:ues. Not satisfied with general 



invective and wanton, abuse against the nation he descends 
to personal scandal. He assails the patriotism and slanders 
the talents of men, compared to the least of whom, the ca- 
lumniator is a mere novice in politics and a child in under- 
standing. The following is the scurrillous language in 
which they are traduced : " The present ministry is com- 
posed of the understrappers and disciples of Pitt, Dundas 
and Ji^nkins, men as humble in talents as they are destitute 
of integrity." 

In the very next page he speaks of Mr. Rose, the Envoy 
Extraordinary to this country, in terms equally rude, inde- 
licate and unmanly, and at the same time attacks the friends 
of Washington and of the Constitution with infuriated ma- 
lice. ** Mr. Rose (says the honorable Mr. Clinton) is the 
3on of old George Rose, the unblushing advocate of corrup- 
tion, and tl^ ready instrument of any Ministrv, that would 
employ him in any work, however dirty or despicable. 
The conduct of the Envoy was correspondent with the 
character and the views of his Constituents. It demon- 
strates that he was not sent here to furnish redress and 
maintain peace, but that he was commissioned to disgrace 
our Government by his Machiavelian arts, to embarrass the 
operations of our Administration, to foster the spirit of dis- 
content, to dispense the aliment offartion^ to cherish aBri- 

tisii partif in this '.-ountry^ and to spy out the nakedness of 

C 



18 
the land." Yet this is the bawling demagogue and canting 
hvpocrite that Federalists are called upon to support, — not 
for a petty Town Office, nor the Governorship of a State; 
but for the Chief Magistracy of a great, powerful and free 
people. How can it be expected that a man of such violent 
and ungovernable passions, should in his intercourse with- 
foreign powers, be restrained within the bounds of modera- 
tion and common decencv, when with fewer inducements and 
provocations, than would fri quentlv offer themselves in a 
higher station, he laimches into all the bold and unfounded 
invective which malice can invent or falsehood supply ? 

From the unmerited abuse of a foreign power, he returns 
with renewed acrimonv to a pointed condemnation of the 
measures of the most intelligent, virtuous and patriotic state 
Ml the union. Massachusetts, from which he now expects 
his principal support, is assailed with malignant lury. 
** The Legislature of Massachusetts, of Massachusetts, the 
cradle of the Revolution (says this new ally of Federalism) 
have come forward, and have condescended to array iluni- 
tjclves in fa\ our of a foreign government, in opposition to 
that of their own country." 

Throughout the whole of this celebrated speech, the in- 
fallibility of iJU' Ailministraiion, and the doctrine of pas- 
sive obedience and non-resistance are uniformly advanced 
with zeal and supported with intemperance. That the Ad- 



19 

ministration can do no wrong, is the creed of every jaco- 
bin. Such was that of Mr. Clinton before he openly aspi- 
red to the Presidency. But when he finds resistance bet- 
ter adapted to promote his ambitious projects than servile 
obedience and fulsome adulation, he does not for a mo- 
ment hesitate to raise the standard of insurrection against 
his immaculate party. Speaking of the attack on the Cht:- 
sapeake, Mr. Clinton thus vindicates the integrity of the 
administration. " If our government were actuated by 
that hostility to Great Britain and partiality to France 
which have been so mijustly ascribed to them, this would 
have been a period peculiarly favourable to promote their 
views to wreak their vengeance and to gratify their prepos- 
sessions : but the President, desirous of maintaining a 
friendly position with Great Britain, and averse to close 
the door to conciliation, preferred the path of negociation." 
Here we perceive a most unqualified approbation of those 
very measures which have led us to the brink of ruin, and 
the grave of dishonour, and which he and his partizans arc 
now the loudest to condemn. But Mr. C not satisfied witli 
eulogizing the Administration for their dignified impartia- 
lity in their intercourse with foreign governments, pro- 
ceeds to justify and applaud the embargo, which he seems 
to cherish with the same fond delight as if it had been the 
bantling of his own brain. " The embargo," says Mr. 



90 

Llinton '• was recommended to Congiess, and immediately 
adopiid. This great precautionary measure which had 
been adopted bv Washington in a similar juncture, was the 
onlv one which could protect our commerce from total des- 
truction. It has accordingly saved more property to this 
countrv thiui would satisty our whole national debt, and 
lUe expeu're of three years war, besides preserving our na- 
tional honour fron\ humiliation, and our independence fron^ 
insult." 

In a subsequent part of this speech Mr. Clinton's affect- 
ed hatred kj royalty is expressed in one of the most unfeel- 
ing and unchristian remarks, that ever fell from the lips ol 
humanity. It is reproaching an aged and venerable mo- 
narch for an infirmity which no strength can repel, and no 
prudence avert. One of the most awful and affecting cala- 
mities of Providence : one loo, which in the breast of the 
truly bnivc and generous could excite no other feeling than 
commiseration, yet the cold heart of Clinton viewed it 
Oidy as a subject of ridicule and sarcasm. " The hatred 
which grew out of the revolution has not yet subsided, it 
still rankhs in the bosom of the maniac on the throne.'' 

i>Ir. C. in pursuing his subject, and calculating upon tht 
failure ol negociation, does not hesitate in the most une- 
quivocal terms, to recommend an appeal to the sword. 
These ;u\; liis emj)h.ait words: " The measures of pre- 



ai 

caution will probably be superseded by measures of coer- 
cion ; and our rights must be enforced at the point of the 
bayonet, and by the thunders of our ordnance." 

Federalists, what think ye now of this boasted champion 
of peace ? Is this the mild language of conciliation, or of 
predetermined hostility ? Is Mr. Clinton that exalted 
Statesman, who will resuscitate our prosperity, and save 
our drowning honour ? Is this the Magistrate who is to 
prove a shiv;ld against corruption and a terror to evil 
doers ? No, my countrymen, he is a deceiver and a villain, 
that asserts it. Clinton and his associates are only deser 
ving to be linked together in eternal disgrace. 

Mr. Clinton, towards the conclusion of his wicked and 
time-serving speech, commences an insidious, virulent and 
scurrilous attack on the whole federal party. Mr. C. in- 
troduces the subject with the affected cant and mock mode- 
ration of a true jacobin. He professes to think all parties 
equally honest, and that the people, the good-natured, ho- 
nest, simple people can never act intentionally wrong. He 
then proceeds : " but I do not mean to exempt from cen- 
sure the desperate leaders (meaning the heads of the fede- 
ral party) of a profligate conspiracy against the good of our 
country, who at this all-important period, are scattering 
firebrands of civil discord through the United States. It 
is perhaps known, but to few, that the project of a dismen v- 



nn 



bemient of this country is not a novel plan, growing out of 
the recent measures of government as it is pretended ; but 
has been cherished by a number of individuals for a series 
of years past. Some of the newspapers of New-England 
have at various times inculcated the treasonable doctrine in 
elaborate essays. Look at the resolves of several of tixe 
towns, and even of the Capital of Massachusetts. Ob- 
ser\e the disorganizing^ Jacobinical, seditious, and traiter- 
ous spirit which pervades them." 

After thus villifying the most uncorruptcd portion of 
the American people, he appeals with spirit and energy to 
the state of New-York, to purge away the national disho- 
nour ; " to frown into nothing the Catalines and Borgias of 
our coimtry.'' So I hope to God it will, and never be in- 
strumental in elevating to power, an ambitious intriguer, 
to contaminate our public councils, and degrade our na- 
tional reputation. 

If the federal party can, after reading the following ma- 
lignimt and \ illainous aspersions on their characters as 
men, Christians ami patriots, support Mr. Clinton in his 
daring sthenus ol ambition, thev are totally undeserving 
of an upri)t4it magistrate to govern them. " Is there not 
(exclaims Mr. C.) reason to apprehend that tltere is an in- 
timate understanding between the Essex junto and the Bri- 
tish ministry ; and that foreign influence has struck it? 



as 

Jeadly roots deep in that portion of our country ? The pub- 
lication of Cunning's false and malignant letter, the violent 
declarations in favour of Great Britain, the servile vindica- 
tion of his measures towards the United States, and even of 
the attack upon the Chesapeake, shew in colours as vivid 
as the streams of lightning in the hands of Joab, and evince 
a deadly spirit of concert and co-operation with a foreign 
government. The leaders of the factious proceedings arc 
without the seinblance of excuse. Driven from power by 
the indignant voice of an injured people, and despairing to 
gain it by honest means, they appear to be governed by the 
same unprincipled sentiments, and actuated by the same 
hellish principles, which the greatest of poets ascribes to 
the deceiver of mankind — 

Better to reign in hell 
Than serve in heaven. 
Better to regain office and elevation through blood, de&-» 
truction and general ruin, than not to obtain them at all." 

After this character of Federalism, followed a full and 
explicit avowal of his sentiments, in favour of the Madt- 
ffOJiian Administration. " Resolved, That we repose full 
confidence in the ruisdom, patriotism^ and integrity of thu 
national administration, and that we will, at every hazard, 
and to the full extent of our faculties, support them against 
the unjust attempts of foreign powers : and if a state of 



24 

ueace shall no longer be a state of honour ; and a continu- 
ance of aggression render an appeal to the sword inevita- 
ble, wc pledge ourselves and fortunes, in defence of .the- 
just rights of our injured country /' 

Suth is tlie man who dares solicit the aid of federalists. 
A politician, who through every stage of his public life 
has marked the shifting tides of popular sentiment, only to 
follow its current. Who has always niodtlK-d his opinions 
to his situation, and his actions to his interest. Whose 
pert presumption has taken to itself no better guide than 
insolent passion. Whose plans have been as vulgar in the 
conception as mean and undignified in the execuion. With 
him all is deception and obliquity. " In rebus politiceis 
nihil simplex, nihil apertum, nihil honestum." If he has 
shewn consistency in any part of his conduct, it has only 
been the consistency of guilt, which by var}ing its means, 
hopes to obtain its end. It is the consistency of a C:esar, 
.« Borgia, a Cromwell or a Bonaparte, who assuming a thou' 
:jan(l shapes to acquire power, have only been uni:orm in 
never relinquishing it when obtained. 

Is Mr. Clinton then totally deficient in all those great and 
gocxl qualities, which are necessary- to constitute the chief 
magistrate of a free people ? He most unquestionably is. 
Is he not intelligent? His crude speeches and abortive in- 
trigucii arc the best coiunicnt on his talents. Is he not ho- 



23 

nourable ? If duelling be the criterion of honour, he is au 
honourable man. Is he not generous ? " If it be generous to 
accumulate in his own person and family a number of lu- 
crative employments, to provide at the public expense for 
every creature that bears the name of Clinton or that is 
connected to him by the ties of consanguinity, and neglect- 
ing the merits and services of honest men, to heap promo- 
tion upon his favourites and dependants, then is he the most 
generous man alive." 

From him who can reward with patronage and offices those 
detestable parasites, that " pessimum genus laudatorum," 
which flutter about his person, nothing great, nothing ex- 
alted can ever proceed. The audacity of Mr. Clinton's 
Ipretensions and the perverseness of his ambition, are truly 
astonishing. He has grown so bold in vice, that he seeks 
not even to veil his iniquities. Shame is the last vir- 
tue of fallen greatness ; " it is moral vitality." Where shame 
exists ever\' pollution may be washed away. But must not 
shame be wholly extinguished in the breast of that man, 
who meanly solicits the support of a party against which he 
has ever displayed the most savage and rancorous hostility ; 
who could not be satisfied with its fall from power, but 
must seek to persecute, blacken, disgrace and ruin it, even 
after it had surrendered up the reins of government into the 

hands of his associates in principle and compeers in //<?- 

D 



20 
nesty. What Machiavd has said of a most pernicious poli- 
tician, may with great justice be applied lo Mr. Clinton. 
" His insolence increased with the favours which were 
heaped upon him, and he became more imperious and ar- 
bitrary, as he became more influential and powerful." Such 
is the character of Mr. Clinton, his presumption has in- 
creased with his fortunes. But all his former arrogance 
shrinks in its dimensions when compared with his present 
audacity. This consummation of hardihood, has crowned 
all his former darings. It has astonished the most veteran 
observers of political depravity. But daring as it is, it 
must prove unsuccessful. The weight of popular odium 
must inevitably crush him. Let not the Federal party in- 
tercept the thunderbolt of public indignation. Let it strike 
and confound this inveterate enemy of our principles, this 
Proteus in politics, this artful intriguer, whose ambition is 
inordinate, whose passions are intemperate, and whose po- 
litical life has been one continued scene of paltr}' expedi- 
ents to secure power for himself, and to involve in unmerit- 
ed disgrace his political opponents. 

His matchless efl!"rontery in ofli'ering himself to the Fed- 
eral party as a candidate for the Presidencv, should excite 
universal detestation. The withering frown of freemen, 
should apj)al his hopes and humble his ambition. Rest as- 
sured my countr) men, that he who has degraded his native 
■^tate, can ne\ er confer dignity on the union. He whose 



intrigues have been so extensive in a narrow circle, av ill not 
be apt to contract them in a wider sphere. He who has fos- 
tered and rewarded sycophancy in New-York, will feel no 
disposition to encourage merit at Washington. He whose 
rancorous hate to England from his boyhood has been dis- 
played in a thousand splenetic effusions ; who is so deficient 
in understanding and decency as to characterise the whole 
British ministry as " the understrappers of Pitt ;" whose 
passion and want of self-respect lead him to speak of an ami- 
able nionarch in amity with us, as a v.retch and a maniac. 
Who accuses G. Britain of acting towards us with more in- 
justice than France, and of forming a coalition with the Fe- 
deralists in America to subvert its liberties. Is such the 
President who is to conduct our national affairs with mode- 
ration and dignified impartiality, who is to cultivate a good 
understanding with G. Britain and conciliate her aflfections ; 
who is to consolidate and direct the energies of the Ame- 
rican people against that faithless and heaven-offending des- 
pot, who strides in vengeance over the devoted continent of 
Europe, and who meditates the destruction of the peace, 
happiness and independence of the universe ? 

Is Mr. Clinton's hostility to the principles of the party 
in power guaranteed by any overt act or public declaration ? 
Would he not breathe the same slanders against the federal 
party, and the same fulsome eulogiums in favour of the 
administration in 1812 as in 1809, were his interest to die- 



128 

talc : Could a traitor to his own party evince any gratis 
ludc to those who instead of having lavished on him fa- 
vours and benefactions, have only loaded him with curses ? 
"V\'ill he bring into office men of distinguished virtues and 
talents ? No I they would overshadow and eclipse him. 
'' Ambition wants no equal near the throne :'• and were Mr. 
Clinton associated with federalists in power, he would be 
the only stateman of mediocrity in the cabinet. 
« ^^'hy then heap all authority and honour on Clinton? 
Wh)' raise intrigue and incapacity to that elevation which 
merit and services have alone a right to claim? Before wc 
are lil)cral to our enemies let us be just to our friends. Let 
us boldly and singly advance to the contest. Let us ad- 
vance like men. I^et us resist by arguments, principles we 
ujhor. Let us destroy bv an honourable mode of warfare, 
a party that acts openly in resistance to our pretensions. 
This courr;c w ill alone preserve our integrity, — it will alone 
•ecure our triumph. The Fabric of Federalism must not be 
built on the sandy foundation of Clintonian caprice. It must 
be fixed on tin icick of consistency. It must derive no aid 
Irom trtaeiiery, no support from apostacy. It must admit 
no traiion within its walls. If it singly defy the storms of 
faction, the rains may beat, and the floods descend in vain 
— It will burst through the clouds which have transiently 
enveloped it, and sb.inc forth in all its native splendour, 

bcautv and proporti'Mi 

WASHINGTON. 



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